Shropshire Council, together with Alliance partners Kier and WSP, are working along the A488, Hope Valley to resolve a number of landslip issues. A full road closure is in place along with a signed diversion route, with like-for-like roads.
The A488 at Hope Valley has experienced slope stabilisation problems with slopes on four sections of the road slipping towards the river.
Full works are underway, with an expected completion date of 22 August 2025.
Update
Phase 1 of the works along the A48 have now been completed.
During this closure advanced works were carried out to clear vegetation and remove trees where necessary, under the supervision of ecologists due to the bird nesting season, who ensured all relevant checks were carried out.
The works consisted of detailed assessments of the highway drainage system, works on the local ditches and culverts and a detailed assessment of the slopes within the closure area to ascertain full extents of required works.
As part of the phase 1 closure, Natural England removed trees from their land adjacent to the road. BT Openreach were also on site to assist with the tree removals as well as undertaking works on their assets within the site.
The work carried out in phase 1 has enabled the formulation of a detailed solution that will be delivered in phase 2 from 30 June to 22 August, and has also identified another two potential slip areas that will be assessed and completed during this second closure.
Communications have been held with the local elected member and bus companies. Further communications are currently being undertaken with residents.
Phase 2
- From 30 June to 22 August 2025
- 24-hour road closure, seven days a week, with no access at any time
- A signed diversion route is in place, with like-for-like classes of roads
- There are no other planned works in the vicinity throughout the duration of these works
The road closed on 30 June 2025, and works are anticipated to be completed by 22 August 2025, with the road being reopened as soon as possible upon completion of the works.
Given the narrow nature of the A488 and to ensure that the required works are delivered safely and within the available timescales, the road will be closed for through traffic for the duration of the works. Gatemen at closure points are in place, and will enable access for residents with homes within the closure, where safe and practicable to do so.
This phase is the major works section of the works on Hope Valley in which slip repairs will be undertaken. During this phase of works, slope stabilisation work will be completed on slips 1, 2, 3 and 4, along with recently identified kerbing and drainage work to redirect the surface water.
The overview map shows the works areas and locations of the land slips. If you'd like the location information shown on the map in a different format, please get in touch.
A signed diversion route is in place, as shown below, and will take vehicles on like-for-like classes of road...
Advanced signage, including variable messaging signs, have been positioned at strategic locations, including the commencement point of the diversion.
Please see an example below. Again, if you'd like the location information in a different format, please get in touch.
Buses
Minsterley Motors will be providing a shuttle bus service due to the usual 553 service being disrupted during these works. The shuttle will run between Bishop's Castle and Plox Green in accordance with the timetable. Please note that stops between Plox Green and Hemford Junction won't be served during the closure.
Please note that all our planned roadworks are subject to change. Any changes will be displayed on the yellow advanced warning sign and on the One Network website.